Christmastime is magical in New York City, and there are several places to check off your bucket list. One of New York’s most magical Christmas experiences is at Rolf’s, a traditional German restaurant in Gramercy Park. Each holiday season, the restaurant takes festive decorations to a new level, hanging thousands of Christmas ornaments and lights from the ceilings, along the walls and on its columns. Experience a little bit of Germany’s famed Christmas markets here in NYC. To see one of the most beloved Christmas sites of all, head to Rockefeller Center (pictured) to see the larger-than-life Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. It’s erected each year in mid-November and is lit during a publicly held ceremony at the end of November. Just behind the tree, there is The Rink at Rockefeller Center, one of the city’s most celebrated attractions. Surrounded by the trees and the beautiful sparkling Christmas lights, come with your family during the day or at night to skate around. Just south of Rockefeller Center, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is a European-inspired open-air market with several shops from artisans around the world. It’s the perfect place to come for unique, one-of-a-kind Christmas decor or small Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Even if you’re not in the shopping mood, it’s a sight to behold as the park completely transforms into a Christmas wonderland.
Christmas Activities
What to do and where to go during this magical time of the year.